Some words on a frequently used site link to third party ads but only on FF not IE; m discussing with site who asked what browser i use; i use avast free.

Question

I recently started using FF. I use a local nz auction site trade me & noticed that some words (partic 'free' and 'women') showed up green on FF (not on IE) with a link to other sites one a dating site one a free gaming site I think. I asked TM to remove these links, however they've asked me to tell them which browser I use & which security software (use Avast free vsn). So obviously isn't them I conclude. (they are going to follow it up). I also use Vista. I went into my Trade Me listings initially and disguised the 'offending words' ie made 'women' 'w...n' instead - then the next word 'women' displayed the link, and so on thru the ad. When I reinstated the word 'women' again it showed up green on FF only, not IE. You can view these by going to Trade Me (NZ) and entering the auction Listing #: 419422108 or go to this link http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=419422108
And now I see it's showing up on another site as well - the word 'free'. Never had this prob before and is only on FF. Just checked and isn't doing it on Chrome either. Wondering what FF's take is on this?? Many thanks in advance.

Answer 1

From what you have described, I don't think you are ever going to pick that up as malware at all. But I did look at the site you mentioned in Google Chrome, and in IE9. First thought was maybe Chrome suppresses it, but that would be contrary to trying to convince you that their AdSense or IntelliTXT is "helping" you.
What I did find in Chrome was
"Google Chrome's connection attempt to ad-apac.doubleclick.net was rejected. The website may be down, or your network may not be properly configured."
Since I don't have ad blockers in Chrome or IE, that tells me that my hosts file is doing its job, you can draw you own conclusions. There is something similar displayed in IE, but I can't read what was there because the font-size was too big. for the space. In Firefox with "Adblock Plus" extension it is all wiped out. The hosts file works across the entire system but is directed at blocking malware sites more than advertising. "Adblock Plus" is very good at blocking ads and can do its blocking with more generic filters, and can block a lot of malware from coming in but it can't block at the system level that a hosts file can.
In IE although I can only see "It appea" because the font is too large and text does not wrap it does actually say "It appears you are connected to the Internet, but you might want to try to reconnect to the Internet."
I would certainly suggest installing "Adblock Plus" extension and the "Easylist (USA)" filter subscription -- links are in the links previously provided, and installing the hosts file as well also in the links.
It takes a bit more work to install and maintain a hosts file but the directions should be clear enough.